There are three distinct types of rubber stamps: traditional, where the pad is in a separate container from the stamp; Self-inking stamps, which have a self-contained die that rests against the pad until the die is flipped 180 degrees to make an imprint; and pre-inked stamps, where the die itself is actually impregnated with the ink.
Rubber stamps for business commonly show an address and corporate logo. They often have movable parts that allow the user to adjust the date or the wording of the stamp. They are used to date incoming mail, as well as to denote special handling for documents. In some countries it is common practice for formal documents such as contracts to be rubber-stamped over the signature as additional evidence of authenticity.[citation needed]
Business stamps are generally available from stationers or direct from the manufacturer. Popular stamps include address stamps and check endorsement stamps. Among the few areas where business stamps are seeing sales growth is in the merging of the commercial stamp market with the creative/art side.[citation needed] Many people are opting to add color and art for a decorative effect to their address stamps.[citation needed]
Some artists have been using such stamps to decorate pieces of art for special effects or in an ironic way